Salute for a ‘truly remarkable’ man

THE death of Havala Laula, 92, has described as a great loss to Papua New Guinea, especially to the communities along the Kokoda Track and the tourism industry.
Laula died on Christmas eve at his home in Kagi village, Central.
Laula was one of the “unsung heroes” who helped Australian soldiers during World War II, said Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive Jerry Angus.
Agus thanked Laula’s family and the Koiari people along the Kokoda Track corridor for giving
PNG tourism a “truly remarkable” man. “Laula gave meaning to the legend of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, especially for the thousands of Australians who walked the Kokoda Track every year,” he said in a statement.
Agus said it was not only fitting that Laula lived to celebrate Kokoda’s 75th anniversary before “closing an incredible chapter” in PNG’s war history. Laula featured in the movie “Fuzzy Wuzzy – Beyond the Legend” in honour of Kokoda’s 75th anniversary.
Agus said the Kokoda Track and the tourism sector have lost a friend and an ambassador.
Those who have walked the Kokoda Track have been privileged to have met him.
He was one of the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.